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Michigan students lagging behind, educators say

President Thomas J. Haas led a panel discussion about K-12 education
and how Michigan ranks near the bottom in the U.S. for student
performance in reading and mathematics.

The discussion, "Michigan's Lagging Education Performance:
What's at Stake and What Does it Mean for the Future?" was held
February 5 at an Economic Club event at the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids.

Panelists included Eileen Weiser, state Board of Education; Doug
Rothwell, president of Business Leaders for Michigan; and Kevin
Stotts, president of Talent 2025 Inc.

Panelists said many state residents aren't aware of U.S. Department
of Education statistics that show Michigan ranks 41st among states for
fourth-grade reading performance and 38th
foreighth-grade math performance. Another statistic
showed, in 2016-2017, about 35 percent of 11th graders in the state
were college ready.

Haas, who chaired the 21st Century Education Commission,
said recommendations from the commission include universal access to
preschool education, governmental accountability and improved teacher preparation.

"We rolled out a framework, but this isn't going to happen
overnight," Haas said. "Business leaders have an important
role. Get to those people you know, legislative officials and those
running for governor and ask, 'What are you going to do to fix where
we are now, and going forward?'"

Panelists agreed the first step to solving the problem is for state
leaders in education, business and policymaking to find a common plan
for education reform.